What Gen Z Really Wants from HR: A Student’s Guide to the Future of Work

Volume 11, Issue 1, 2026

International Journal of Commerce and Management Studies, ISSN 2456-3684

Author Name and Affiliation

Angelina Kuldeep, Kalpana Godara, Shiwani, Tanpreet Kaur Rayat, Ishita Sil, and Vilas Kulkarni

Dr. D.Y. Patil B School Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

This study paper explores the evolution of the relationship between Generation Z and the latest Human Resource practice. The Generation Z, also known as Generation Z, was born between 1997-2012 entering into organisations with values, expectation and work attitude that are far different from the earlier generations. No longer adaptable to the digital era and modern attitudes to authenticity, traditional HR systems built to work with regimentation and hierarchy are less successful at engaging this digitally connected and authenticity-seeking piece of the workforce. This is a study of the one’s expectations of Gen Z workers, and why businesses must restructure their policies to remain relevant and competitive. There are five large expectations: 1) Openness and honesty about compensation, 2) Flexibility about work arrangements, 3) Workplace support for employee health and wellbeing, 4) Assessment and progression based on fairness, and 5) Recognising employee contributions. These traits reflect Gen Z’s attitudes towards honesty, autonomy, feeling safe, equality, and meaningful work experiences. This paper discusses these themes and presents two new models that can help support legislation for communication and transparency in staff-employer relations, as well as a human-cantered model for holistic staff well-being and integration in the workplace, called “No-Hype Contract and “Life-First Wheel,’ respectively. This paper is written in a straightforward, accessible style, with the aim of users who are preparing to enter the workplace and HR professionals looking to come up with some creative means to find, retain, and engage the young emerging workforce in a changing work environment.

Keywords

Generation Z, Human Resource Management, Workplace Flexibility, Mental Well-Being, Employee Engagement.

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